In reaffirming the principles of good neighbourliness and strengthening the bonds between The Gambia and Senegal, His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, on 1st December 2025, attended the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the 1944 Thiaroye massacre in Senegal. In his remarks delivered in the presence of his Senegalese counterpart, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President Barrow reflected on the killing of the Senegalese Infantry, describing the incident as “not a mutiny but a deliberate and unjustified execution of unarmed men whose only request was the recognition of what was rightfully theirs.”
President Barrow expressed that The Gambia shares deeply in the sorrow of this painful chapter of history, emphasising that Gambians are not present merely as distant observers, but as a brotherly nation equally touched by the loss and standing in solidarity with the descendants of the Senegalese Infantry.
He commended President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his government for their dedication to uncovering the full historical truth of the events at Thiaroye, noting that the ongoing international research initiatives represent an important step toward achieving historical justice.
President Barrow further underscored the need for the honest teaching of colonial-era injustices, so that future generations may understand both the hardships endured and the resilience demonstrated by their forebears.
The West African soldiers, known as the Tirailleurs Sénégalais, who had valiantly served France during the Second World War, were tragically killed by French colonial forces after seeking fair compensation and recognition for their service.
The victims of the tragedy included soldiers from Senegal, The Gambia, Mali, and other parts of the wider West African subregion.
